Last year the debate on chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ slogan hogged the media limelight after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that he will not chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai even if someone put a knife to his throat.

While the majority viewed chanting the slogan as something that shows pride for one’s motherland coming naturally to all citizens irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, colour or political views, a growing section viewed it in the perspective that there is no constitutional or legal obligation on any citizen of India about any chant of the nation.

During the time when the debate on the issue was at its peak, TV presenter Barkha Dutt asked a question to Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani, whether one should chant it or not, when people like Owaisi are saying that they won’t chant it.

In her reply, Irani gave a befitting answer to Dutt which she will remember forever.